Marlins Trade Al Leiter to Mets

NEW YORK (AP) _ In yet another move to dismantle the World Series champions, the Florida Marlins traded pitcher Al Leiter to the New York Mets on Friday, The Associated Press learned.

The Marlins, who have gotten rid of 12 players from the 25-man championship roster in a salary purge, acquired three minor league prospects for Leiter and a minor leaguer.

The deal, confirmed by a source who spoke on the condition he not be identified, was to be announced later Friday night.

Leiter, 32, was 11-9 with a 4.34 ERA in 27 starts last year. The left-hander, who pitched the Marlins' first-ever no-hitter in 1996, was on the disabled list twice in 1997 because of a bone bruise in his right knee and a pulled groin muscle.

Leiter was 0-1 with no saves in the postseason. He made two appearances in the World Series, going 0-0 with a 5.06 ERA against Cleveland.

Since beating the Indians, Florida has lost a dozen players either by trade, release or the expansion draft.

The Marlins _ or whatever remains of them _ are scheduled to visit President Clinton at the White House on Feb. 17 as part of their championship celebration.

In addition, pitcher Tony Saunders was taken by Tampa Bay in the expansion draft, first baseman Darren Daulton became a free agent and retired, and infielder Alex Arias was released.

Leiter is 60-53 with a 4.01 ERA in the majors. He has been bothered by control problems throughout his career, which began with the New York Yankees in 1987. Last year, he walked 91 in 151 1-3 innings.

Leiter was an All-Star in 1996 with the Marlins. He signed as a free agent with Florida on Dec. 14, 1995.